In response to my request for a list of FAQs, my colleague and pal Kurt Roeper sent this suggestion. It’s definitely a frequently asked question, but the tricky part is coming up with the answer. I’m a big fan of the old adage, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” That’s how I handle all the big tasks I’m faced with, and I think it will work for this one as well.
My plan is to find this information one state at a time, and eventually compile it into one page. If you know of a state or jurisdiction that requires fire door inspections, or even if you think they do, let me know and I’ll look into it. The key is whether the state has adopted a code that references NFPA 80-2007 (or 2010) AND that the code requires fire doors to be MAINTAINED in accordance with NFPA 80. In my opinion, *maintained* is the key word. The building code states that fire doors have to be installed in accordance with NFPA 80, but since the inspection requirement falls into the maintenance section and the fire marshals doing the ongoing inspections of a building don’t reference the building code, it’s tough to make the connection.
During the current code change cycle for NFPA 80, a proposal was made to require the initial fire door assembly inspection “upon completion of installation.” This would ensure that the openings are installed properly and are code-compliant from the beginning. If this change is accepted it will become part of the 2013 edition of NFPA 80. When that edition is referenced by a code (2015 codes?), it will raise awareness of the inspection requirement and help get new buildings on a schedule right away. Meanwhile, look for the word “maintained” in reference to fire doors and NFPA 80.
I researched a couple of states last week, and I will include that information in a separate post shortly. The ICC Adoptions page is a good place to start if you’re looking for information on a specific state.
Here are links to the states I’ve posted so far:
I took this photo on one of my trips to Africa while I was canoeing on the Zambezi River.
Don’t worry…I have never eaten an actual elephant and have no plans to.
For more information about fire door assembly inspection, visit the FDAI page of this blog.
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Lori-
I can tell you that the South Carolina Building Codes Council goes by the 2006 IFC which references the 1999 version of NFPA 80.
Thanks Dan. The 1999 edition of NFPA 80 does not require the annual inspections, but it does require fire doors to be maintained in code-compliant condition. The inspection requirement just gives fire marshals a tool to help bring some more attention to the existing doors that aren’t being properly maintained.
I have heard that the Las Vegas Fire Department will begin enforcing NFPA 80, 2007 in June/July of this year.
I’ve heard that too but so far I haven’t been able to confirm it.
Lori –
Both Oregon and Washington require opening protectives to be maintained in accordance with NFPA 80 – 2007 per their fire codes. However, I have not heard of it actually being enforced as of yet.
Lori –
The Foundation for Life Safety and Security(sister to DHI)has completed several AHJ awareness seminars at various locations in the State for Florida. Recently an AHJ in the Orlando area advised a LaQuinta property that a fire inspection had to be completed for his next visit.
There are two websites that I think also try to address this. They are:
http://www.nachi.org/forum/f21/annual-fire-door-inspections-your-state-51973/
and
http://www.iccsafe.org/GR/Pages/adoptions.aspx
These are hopefully on-topic links. Interesting interactive graphic on the second link.
Lori; this is an amazing and informative website. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Mike!!